https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/e051e63b-01a8-4217-a398-91afd3f88431/PG_Academy_Prototyping.pdf
"A Prototype is an early sample, model or release of a product built to test a concept or a process." - Wikipedia
Therefore a prototype has or could be used for the following tasks:
Although often a prototype is used as a synonym of MVP there is some difference. A prototype normally is a very simple version of the product /service. It is used only to prove a feature or idea. And is used only for tests. An MVP is enough complicated to solve the whole problem and prove the solution. It is normally slower/expensive/not as practical as the complete product but solves the problem.
Worst Case: Working on a product for a long time, but in the end, nobody wanted it.
To avoid this case we will discuss the most frequently used techniques for Prototyping/MVP
Concierge MVP Manuel helping your client to test if there is demand for their service. For example, you have the hypothesis that many people have problems with their tax returns. To test this, you go directly to the people and help them(if the need is there). So without investing 1 euro in development, you have already checked whether the need is really there. The Wizard of Oz is very similar. But we go further.
The customer thinks he is dealing with AI or a fully automated service. But in the end, there is a human being... For example, you have developed an AI that fills out the tax return. But at the back end, there is a tax advisor who does it manually. So you test the hypothesis that a human will rely on an AI for such a service. Without investing a lot of money and time in coding.
Often also known as 3D Printing. The reason for this is that the 3D printer is the equipment that produces our prototype. And by RP we mean the entire process from sketch to finished prototype. With 3D Printing, you can produce and test physical prototypes faster. And also decentralised. E.g. the aerodynamics of a car/aeroplane. During the day you create the geometry, at night it is printed (possibly thousands of kilometres away from you) and the next day the tests can be carried out in wind tunnels.